BLACKBURN Rovers have killed their interest in Rangers midfielder Tugay.

Work permit problems have proved impossible to overcome in Graeme Souness's bid to land the experience Turkish international.

Tugay has only played in 64 per cent of Turkey's games in the last two years, with 75 per cent the accepted minimum for a work permit application.

Souness said today: "That's the end of it. We are not prepared to go to appeal."

But the 30-year-old, who played under Souness at Galatasaray in his home country, was quoted as having ruled out a switch to Ewood Park -- despite the fact that Rovers had already held talks with his agent.

Tugay said: "There will be no transfer to Blackburn because I am very happy with life in Glasgow.

"My wife and children have settled well to Scotland and there is no reason to move to another country.

"There is only one small problem with life - and I think most people know about it. "I would say I am 95 per cent settled, but if I was playing all the time then I would say I was 100 per cent satisfied."

Tugay admitted that he would have been happy to team up with Souness again, but considered Rovers to be a big step down from the Scottish champions.

He added: "Obviously I know Graeme Souness very well, just as he knows me.

"We have a good understanding together and I know he would treat me very well.

"But I am playing at a famous international club in a Premier League.

"There is no reason for me to go to a smaller club in the English First Division.

"That is no disrespect to Blackburn -- but Rangers are the bigger club and Mr Souness will know that."